Elevator maintenance might not be on the top of your to-do list, but it’s one of the most important aspects of keeping your building running smoothly. Therefore, it’s crucial to have an elevator maintenance plan and stick to it. But if you don’t have a plan yet, don’t worry – we’re here to help.
This article will discuss elevator maintenance, how to perform elevator maintenance, and tips for operators. We hope this information will help you manage your elevator maintenance effectively and within budget!
What is Elevator Maintenance?
Elevator maintenance is the process of inspecting, repairing, and testing elevators and lifts. This maintenance is important to keep these systems running smoothly and safely. At the same time, elevator maintenance can be expensive, so it’s important to find a balance between maintaining elevator safety and minimizing elevator downtime.
The Importance of Elevator Maintenance
In the past, buildings didn’t boast as many floors as they do now. Consequently, elevator breakdowns were less common and often not as serious. However, with the advent of taller buildings, elevator maintenance has become more important than ever.
Elevator maintenance involves the following factors:
- Safety: performing routine maintenance on elevators and lifts helps ensure passengers’ safety. An elevator breakdown can be a catastrophic incident, which is why it must be avoided by all means necessary.
- Operation: Elevators serve a very important purpose. When they are out of service, they can potentially cause frustration and inconvenience to the people who rely on them.
- Costs: Fixing and replacing broken elevators can be expensive. Elevator maintenance can help avoid these costly repairs by keeping the elevator in good working condition.
- Regulations: there are regional laws and regulations that elevator operators must adhere to. Failing to follow so incur hefty fines. Some regions even require buildings to display the date of their last elevator maintenance inspection.
Who Certifies Elevator Maintenance?
Certified professionals perform elevator maintenance activities. Several organizations certify elevator maintenance technicians:
- The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) provides certification for elevator technicians at the journeyman and master levels.
- International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) offers apprenticeship programs culminating in journeyman certification.
- SGS is a leading testing, inspection, and certification company with certifications for elevators and elevator maintenance professionals. Certifications issued by SGS are widely recognized across the globe.
- American Public Transport Association (APTA) offers certification for elevator mechanics and elevator maintenance training.
- Elevator World, Inc. is another organization that provides certification for elevator technicians and elevator maintenance professionals.
How to Perform Elevator Maintenance
Proper elevator maintenance has to be done according to the recommendations from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and the vendor that installed the elevator. Ensure that the elevator maintenance is in line with the local regulations regarding elevator maintenance. The elevator system consists of three physical parts:
- The elevator machine room
- The elevator car
- The hoist
Each part has corresponding preventive maintenance tasks that should be carried out regularly. In addition, with the development of IoT technology, elevator maintenance can now take advantage of predictive maintenance. Using sensors, elevator operators can now detect potential problems and address them before they cause elevator downtime.
Here are some tips on how to perform elevator maintenance:
- Read the elevator maintenance manual: This will give you an understanding of the elevator system and how it works. It will also provide guidance on how to maintain the elevator properly.
- Inspect the elevator regularly: By performing regular inspections, you can identify potential problems early on and take action to fix them before they cause elevator downtime.
- Keep elevator maintenance records: Keeping records of elevator maintenance activities will help you track the elevator’s performance and identify areas that need improvement.
- Use elevator maintenance software: Elevator maintenance software can help you automate elevator maintenance activities and keep track of elevator performance.
- Hire a certified elevator maintenance professional: Elevator maintenance should be performed by a certified professional. This will ensure that the elevator is properly maintained and that you comply with local regulations.
Create Elevator Maintenance Checklists with DATAMYTE
Executing effective elevator maintenance can be a daunting task without the right tools. DATAMYTE’s workflow automation software can help you manage elevator maintenance activities, keep track of elevator performance, and create elevator maintenance checklists for your elevator technicians.
The DataMyte Digital Clipboard is designed to streamline elevator maintenance activities and improve elevator uptime. You can also create tools to help you create, gather, analyze, and report elevator maintenance data.
With the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, you can create an entire workflow dedicated to elevator maintenance. The software will help you track elevator performance, identify potential problems, and take action to fix them before they cause elevator downtime.
So if you’re looking for a way to improve elevator uptime and reduce elevator maintenance costs, the DataMyte Digital Clipboard is the perfect solution. Request a free demo today to see how it can help you streamline elevator maintenance activities.
Conclusion
Elevator maintenance is an important part of overall building maintenance and should never be overlooked. By taking the proper steps to perform elevator maintenance, you can ensure that your elevator is properly maintained and in compliance with local regulations. And if you also want to keep elevator downtime to a minimum, consider using the DataMyte Digital Clipboard to automate elevator maintenance activities and keep track of elevator performance.
